HEF enhances the quality of education in Hanover County by empowering educators and supporting students' success. Funds raised through private donations and business partnerships are given back through many programs. (HEF is a 501c3 organization; tax ID 54-1573406.)
Supporting Students
Scholarships help our students to pursue training and educational opportunities beyond high school. Donors enable funding through endowed and annual gifts. To obtain a scholarship application, please contact the student's career counselor.
In May 2025, over $196,500 was awarded to graduating seniors!
2025 HEF Scholarships Recipients
Empowering Educators
General Grant Requests
HEF accepts applications for funding requests, designated as General Grants, from HCPS educators/staff on a continual basis. Requests submitted by educators or administrators must meet eligibility and criteria guidelines.
- The General Grant application is available through Classlink>Approval Portal
Engagement Grants (NEW for FY26)
HEF is excited to announce the launch of our Engagement Grants to support interactive, creative approaches to teaching and learning! Teams of 2-6 educators/staff are invited to share their vision for a project that will ignite engagement and inspire your students. Wednesday, October 15 is the deadline for first-round applications! Contact the HEF office with questions.
Professional Development Grants provide opportunities for teachers to expand their knowledge and skills, which they can transfer to the classroom.
- Applications for the SDR Professional Development Grant and SFW Award for Continuous Improvement in Teaching will open this fall.
Specialty/Restricted Fund Requests
The HEF stewards numerous specialty fund accounts to facilitate donor requests and school needs. Below are a few open for educator applications or donations throughout the year.
Special Education:
- Mike Fehl Special Education Grant: This grant is awarded to encourage, stimulate, and enhance creativity in effective instruction in the area of special education. Given in memory of longtime Special Education Director, Mike Fehl.
- Caldas Family Special Education Grant: This grant is awarded to assist with daily care needs of special education classrooms.
- Applications are available through Classlink>Approval Portal.
Helping Hands: A resource for student needs across our schools. Contact the HEF office with requests or to donate towards this cause.
- Spott A Need: Specific to Mechanicsville High School and its feeder schools.
PHHS Memorial Brick Fund: This annual program enables bricks to be purchased in memory of deceased Patrick Henry High School alumni. Forms can be found here; purchases are limited. This year’s ceremony will be held October 20, 2025 at 5pm.
Join us! Are you interested in making a stronger impact for students and teachers across Hanover? Contact us to learn more, donate or share your ideas.